Environmental news from California and beyond

Two more hikers missing after Mt. Whitney snowstorm

Searchers who on Thursday morning rescued three mountain climbers stranded on Mt. Whitney expanded their operation to include two additional missing hikers believed to be in the area.

Still missing were Sinh Baghsohi, 27, and his father, whose first name was not available. They had planned a three-day, 36-mile, cross-country hike starting and ending at Whitney Portal, on Mt. Whitney’s eastern flank, said Dana M. Dierkes, spokeswoman for the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

Dierkes said the two men had hiked in with a friend, who became ill and returned alone. The two remaining hikers had planned to return Tuesday.

More than 45 people, including the Natonal Park Service, Inyo County Sheriff’s Office personnel, the California National Guard and Yosemite Search and Rescue have been assigned to the effort, which continued to be hampered by driving winds and snow accumulations of up to 3 feet.

Earlier in the day, three mountain climbers who had been missing since Tuesday on Mt. Whitney were found in a stone shelter on the mountain, and were transported to a regional Inyo County hospital for medical examinations.

“All three men were able to walk and move around during a quick health assessment by park personnel,” Dierkes said.